Hospice Home Health Aide

– Contributes to effective patient outcomes.  Responsible to provide competent patient care assigned by RN and plan of care.  Reports all changes in patient condition to RN or manager. Understands the hospice philosophy and comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.

– Performs personal care needs including feeding patient, laundry, light cleaning of patient room and washing. Meets safety needs of patient using equipment safely and properly. Takes temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure as directed by the RN when assigned. Provides skin care and changes patient position to prevent breakdown as assigned by RN. Changes patient bed linens and clothing as requested by the patient and family.

– Demonstrates effective communication skills, verbally and in written documentation, per agency, state, federal and accrediting organizations, within the assigned time frames. Utilizes appropriate communication skills and effective interpersonal skills with all customers. Prepares documentation reflecting patient’s care; adheres to documentation as required by agency, state, federal, and Accrediting Organization standards within required time frames. Maintains patient confidentiality, observing of HIPAA/ Privacy acts.

– Demonstrates professionalism and works in a cooperative manner with all associates.  This includes flexibility with scheduling, commitment to your patient, team, and organization. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to support department and other service offices when needed. Demonstrates self-direction for maintaining home health aide skills. Demonstrates commitment and supports team, office, company and organizational goals. Participates actively in CQI process to improve processes within the organization, upon request. Assists with problem identification and solutions. Participates in quality, improvement projects when assigned. Demonstrates measures to ensure patient satisfaction.

– Adheres to regulatory requirements.   Maintains annual in-service hours, per state/federal regulations, Hospice education hours and OSHA requirements. Provides hospice home health aide services in accordance with all regulatory rules and standards.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:

Must be certified as a nurse assistant in the state in which the teammate practices

Nurse assistant in good standing with the State Nurse Aide Registry with eligibility to work in home health agencies and hospices

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months

A valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Experience Required:

No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Complete all training for Advocate Aurora Hospice, as well as maintain all annual training per individual state requirements.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Must be able to travel to all areas within the Advocate Aurora service area in all extremes of weather on all types of roads. Exposed to widely varying social and environmental conditions in patient’s neighborhoods and homes. Must be willing to work occasional overtime if needed. Required to make visits to private residences which may not be accessible to people with disabilities.

Will be exposed to the following hazards on a frequent basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids.  Will be required to wear PPE, protective clothing and equipment as needed. 

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.